Coronavirus Hits Somalia’s Khat Sellers

The new coronavirus has woven itself into the daily lives of
Somalis’ pocketbooks, hitting small businesses, including sellers of the
herbal stimulant khat.

Khat, the red-stemmed, green-leafed plant that is chewed for its
amphetamine-like properties, is grown in Kenya and Ethiopia but is very
popular in Somalia, Djibouti and Yemen.

On Thursday, Somalia banned all international flights, including
those carrying khat, for 15 days, as a part of measures the country has
taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The normally bustling market in Mogadishu known as Beertakhat, which
translates into khat farm, has been practically deserted because of the
suspended flights.
Hundreds if not thousands of Somalis who directly or indirectly depended on the khat business could be affected by the decision.

Despite its popularity, khat markets have always been fragile because
there are no stockpiles available. Traditionally, it has to be sold
fresh.

A mother’s income

One khat seller in Mogadishu, Faadumo Abdurahman, told VOA Somali
that her family’s livelihood had been jeopardized because of the flight
stoppage, which she said had come without warning.

“Vending khat was the only way I managed to feed my children.
Therefore, this decision came at a time I was not prepared for,” she
said.

“One side, the suspension of khat flights would hit us hard
economically. On the other hand, I see the decision as temporary and
lifesaving,” said liban Mohamed Isse, a spokesman for khat traders.

Not only Somali traders and consumers but also growers of khat in
Kenya, where it is called “miraa” and nicknamed “green gold,” are
feeling the economic effects of the coronavirus.

Normally, more than 15 cargo flights of khat arrive in Mogadishu and other major cities in the country every day from Kenya. Somali anti-khat activist Abukar Awale said the crop is worth $840 million a year.

“In research we have done only on the khat that is air transported into Somalia, at its peak, we have recorded 35 cargo flights, carrying about 95,000 bags of khat a day, which have a total retail value of $400,000,” Awale said.